Rituals resume at Odisha’s Lingaraj temple

After a three day long disruption, daily rituals today resumed at Odisha’s famed Lingaraj temple.

A compromise was reached last evening after the Endowment Commissioner assured to settle the dispute among the servitors within 15 days.

It was also decided that explanation would be sought and action would be taken against the servitors responsible for halting the services at the eleventh century shrine.

Notably, the logjam started after a tussle between Khuntia and Malia servitors in the Kapileshwar Temple over ‘Handi Bhanga’ ritual of Lord Lingaraj.

Every year, the next Saturday after Shivratri festival Lord Lingaraj visits Kapileswar temple and returns after being worshipped there. Members of two priest groups in Lingaraj temple refused to do the rituals this year resulting in no ‘Handi Bhanga’ yatra being performed this year.

Daily services at Lingaraj temple had come to a halt following the incident.